In creating
the musical score for the film, Jon Ekstrand took into consideration the locale
and the time period in which the film takes place. According to Ekstrand, "So
we decided not to go with any electronic elements and only work with acoustic
instruments and sparingly with effects. We also wanted solo Viola and balalaika
tremolo beds to be a part of the score so that the overarching tone would be
very dark and ominous."

The Opening Track of the Child 44 Soundtrack is a melancholy string-based
melody. The track is so sad, one can't help but wonder what awful disaster (if
you haven't already seen or researched the movie) is about to befall the main
characters. The second track, There Is Only You, a piano piece
accompanies the strings and, after some time in the score, one begins to detect
the exotic flare of the balalaika, a nod at the movie's locale. Searching for Brodsky is faster paced, more dramatic composition with a sense of
urgency. Rises in crescendos/speed of the music plus some deep percussion often
expresses a sense of danger or fear.

Child 44
has not received rave reviews from fans of the novel. Others seem to think that
the movie is actually well done. Either way, the score created for Child 44
by Jon Ekstrand perfectly expresses the sadness of losing a child and the danger
involved in tracking down a serial killer, while still letting listeners know
where the film is taking place and during what time period. His music basically
tells the entire story and, I must admit, has inspired me to see the film,
regardless of the reviews. The Child 44 Soundtrack is definitely music
worth taking a listen to.